He said: ‘There was a neighbor who told me she wished I would have informed her of my suiting option before the meeting before because she would have worn the same suit jacket.’

‘You’re not alone’

When asked what advice he would give to people who are told to tone down their identities, Sohail said you should always feel safe enough to express yourself authentically.

He explained: ‘I want to start by saying that I want to check my privilege here.

‘I know that it’s not normative for many queer, disenfranchised people to have the safety, space or community to be authentic to themselves – whatever that means to them.

‘I also know that having the fervent support of my family – specifically my Middle Eastern father – is a gift that I would never take advantage of, because that too gifts me positional privilege,’ he said.

Photo: @sideofhail / Instagram

‘If you’re in a position where you can be safe and express yourself around others, I encourage you to do that — but know that if you’re not, and you’re unable to currently display the external version you’re hoping to in the world at large, know that you’re not alone.

‘Oppressed communities are some of the most loving, open and warm communities because that oppression creates binding love when you speak openly about shared trauma.

‘When it’s accessible, be yourself — community can be, and often times is family,’ he said.